RAYAGADA/KALAHANDI, September 23: Tension has resurfaced in Odisha’s Sijimali and Kantamal areas over bauxite mining, with tribal residents alleging restrictions on movement, disruption of access to essential services and intimidation amid heavy deployment of police personnel.
The latest escalation comes months after incidents reported on March 2 and April 6, which local residents and activists say remain unresolved. Over the past fortnight, a heightened security presence has been reported in and around the affected villages, fuelling apprehension among residents.
The dispute centres on road construction linked to the Sijimali bauxite mining project, being pursued by Mythri Infra Projects. Local residents have opposed the construction, alleging that it is being undertaken without adequately addressing their concerns over land, access and community rights.
Residents now allege that the deployment of security personnel has affected normal life in the villages. They claim that children have faced difficulties attending school and that access to healthcare and movement between villages have also been affected.
The allegations have also raised questions over the manner in which law-and-order measures are being enforced in areas where there is continuing opposition to mining-related activities. Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to move freely throughout India, subject to reasonable restrictions prescribed by law.
Activists and local representatives have sought clarification from the administration on the purpose and duration of the security deployment, as well as safeguards for residents’ access to schools, healthcare and other essential services.
They have demanded withdrawal of security camps from inhabited areas, constitution of a peace committee involving local communities and an administrative dialogue to address the underlying dispute.
The developments also put the spotlight on the larger question of how the administration balances law-and-order requirements with the rights and concerns of tribal communities in mineral-rich areas where mining projects are under implementation.
The district administrations concerned and police authorities are yet to publicly address all the allegations made by the residents and activists.
